MT Part 3 (VG)
"Wake up," came a deep voice from above him. Morgan felt a pair of large hands plant themselves on his shoulders. Suddenly, his entire body began to shake. "Wake up!" the voice repeated - more insistent this time.
Morgan's eyes shot open. The room surrounding him was a blur; he blinked, trying to bring it into focus. The hands on his shoulders shook him harder, Morgan let out an involuntary yelp.
"I'm up! I'm up!" he sputtered frantically, flailing his arms about.
"Are you sure?" the voice asked him.
He rubbed his eyes and looked up. Towering over Morgan stood one of the biggest men he'd ever seen. He was powerfully built and clad fully in thick scale armor. Two large, heavy looking swords were crossed in sheaths over his back. Their pommels jutted out over either of his shoulders. His blue eyes gazed down intently at Morgan.
"...Well?"
"Yes, yes, I'm awake." Morgan answered. He stretched his arms out in front of his body and yawned. "How long was I out?"
The big man shrugged and ran his fingers through his dark hair. Streaks of gray were just beginning to make themselves visible. "I don't know. I've only been here about an hour."
Morgan frowned, "What time is it?"
"About midday," the man answered, "Minister Adlus arrived a few minutes ago. He'll see you now."
"Ah, thank you." Morgan said, standing up. The large man stood easily a head and a half above him. He stretched again, his aching muscles feeling much better now, and walked to the door - the big man following closely behind him. He took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Come in," a nasal voice called from the office.
Morgan opened the door and stepped in. The office was by no means large, but was comfortable. A large wooden desk sat in the middle of the room, papers stacked all over its top. Behind it sat a balding, heavy-set, middle aged man. His beady eyes squinted at Morgan over his large round nose.
"Enjoy your nap?" he crowed.
Morgan stiffened, "Forgive me Minister. I spent the night traveling from Tursh..."
Adlus cut him off, "Yes, yes and the walk left you quite tired, I'm sure," he said shuffling some papers, "Now then, let's get down to business, shall we?"
The Minister cleared his throat loudly, "You're probably wondering why I called you back from your leave," he said, and continued before Morgan could reply, "Well the reason is simple. It seems something has the blasted Halflings all up in arms. Stories of "monsters" killing their livestock and frightening their old women or some such nonsense."
"You don't sound too convinced," Morgan said.
"Pure rubbish, I'm sure, it's probably just a pack of wolves." He sighed, "Halflings scare so easily. None the less, we're obliged to go and see for ourselves... Well, you are anyway," he added with a grin.
"Forgive me for saying so Minister, but--" Morgan started.
"Yes I know, Rindol Field isn't normally your responsibility." Adlus interrupted. "It is this time though, so don't bother trying to argue with me about it."
"Can I ask why?"
"No!" Adlus cackled gleefully, leaning back in his chair.
"My apologies Minister," Morgan said, "I wasn't questioning your judgment, it's just that this is the first time you've assigned me...well, anything really. I'm just curious as to why is all."
"First time I've assigned you anything!" Adlus said incredulously, "I spoil you for years and this is the thanks I get."
Morgan nearly choked. He stared at the Minister coldly. Adlus coughed and straightened himself, "Oh all right, if you simply must know," he said, "it's because you're the only one I can spare at the moment."
"Oh?" he asked, his interest piqued.
"Our able men are scattered about the Highlands and Falgarholm." Adlus continued, his tone more sober, "Troublesome reports coming out of there..." he said, trailing off, "But that is of no consequence. Your assignment is to investigate what has the Halflings upset - and to calm them down if at all possible. Some warm milk and a blanket ought to do the trick." The Minister chuckled quietly to himself.
"What sort of trouble could be coming from Falgar--?" Morgan pressed.
"Never you mind!" The Minister said irritably, "You're to go deal with the Halflings. You'll be leaving immediately. Stop at the stables and get a horse, then gather supplies if you must but I want you on the road by dawn tomorrow at the latest."
"Very well then," Morgan said as he turned to leave, accepting defeat.
"Oh, and one other thing, Morgan," Adlus added and gestured towards the entrance of the office, "Zanadar will be accompanying you."
Morgan turned - the big man who had woken him had quietly slipped into the room and was standing straight against the wall. Zanadar bowed his head slightly to the ranger.
Morgan paused. "...all right," he said hesitantly, "It will be nice to have some company for once."
"Good, now off with you," the Minister said with a flick of his wrist, "I've a lot of work to get done and can ill afford to waste time with idle chatter."
The two men quickly exited the room. Morgan opened his mouth as if to say something, but Adlus' shrill voice called out behind them, "Close the door, please!"
Zanadar reached back into the office and quietly shut the door. He looked back to the ranger and grinned. "Ass," he said.
Morgan blinked. "What?"
"The Minister is an ass," he placed a hand on his stomach, "I'm hungry, are you hungry?"
Morgan grinned devilishly, "I could eat."
Zanadar smiled as he headed towards the hallway, "Don't forget your pack."
Morgan snatched his traveling pack off the floor next to the chair and rushed to catch up with Zanadar. "The messenger found me during supper last night; I had to leave without finishing."
The big man looked back over his shoulder, "You could have finished."
"I should have."
Zanadar nodded.
Morgan frowned, "I'll finish next time."
The big man grinned, "No you won't."
He thought a moment. "No... I probably won't," Morgan conceded. He looked around, "Hey, we're not going the right way. The entrance was back that way," he said, pointing the other direction.
"I know," Zanadar replied as they began to ascend a flight of stairs, "We've got one short stop to make first."
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